On Stage This Week

No matter how you feel about ABBA , there's no arguing with the success that's met Mamma Mia! — that rousing, feel-good musical inspired by ABBA hits like "Dancing Queen," "Money, Money," and "Take a Chance on Me." The global smash has been seen by more than 50 million people in the decade since its launch; the blockbuster film adaptation turned out to be the most successful movie musical of all time, grossing a cool $600 million. All of which is just a lead-in to the fact that the musical returns to the Palace Theatre this week for 13 performances, July 13 through 22. Ticket prices range from $10 to $70; snag them by calling 216-241-6000, visiting playhousesquare.org, or stopping by the box office. The Palace is at 1615 Euclid Ave. on Playhouse Square. — Elaine T. Cicora

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Presented by the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, this classic comedy continues through July 22 in the gardens of Akron's Stan Hywet Hall, 714 North Portage Path. Tickets are $15 to $30 at 330-673-8761 or ohioshakespeare.com.

As You Like It/The Famous History of the Life of King Henry VIII: Cleveland Shakespeare Festival marks its 15th season of free outdoor theater with these two classic pieces playing in repertory on Saturdays and Sundays through August 5. See cleveshakes.org for venues and schedules.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson: "Gleefully loaded with anachronisms and ballsy candor, this play is a freaking rush from the get-go," advises house critic Christine Howey. Performances continue through July 22 at the Beck Center. Tickets are $28 for adults at 216-521-2540 or beckcenter.org. Find them at 17801 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood.

Grace: What would it take to destroy your faith? That's what this new tragicomedy by award-winning playwright Craig Wright wants to know. Produced by the always-edgy Convergence-Continuum, Grace makes its Ohio debut at the Liminis, 2438 Scranton Rd. Performances continue through July 21. Tickets are $15 for adults, less for seniors and students; get them at 216-687-0074 or at convergence-continuum.org.

Once Upon a Mattress: Mercury Summer Stock's zany musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea continues through July 21 at Regina Auditorium at Notre Dame College, 4545 College Rd. in South Euclid. Tickets are $15 to $18 at 216-771-5862 or visit mercurysummerstock.com.

And the World Goes 'Round: A collection of Broadway's best with a comic twist, this musical showcase features the Porthouse Young Professional Company on songs by Kander and Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret, and New York, New York). Perfomances continue through July 21 at Porthouse Theatre, 1145 West Steels Corners Rd. in Cuyahoga Falls. Tickets are $17 to $33 at 330-929-4416 or visit porthousetheatre.com.